A Complicated Auto Claim Dilemma
Hey Redditors,
I recently had an auto accident in Nevada where I was found not at fault. The other party’s insurance, Progressive, accepted full liability, and we just started the settlement process. My car was towed to a lot contracted with my insurance company, Company A. Due to Progressive’s underinsured motorist policy, Company A took over the adjustment and claims process.
Initially, my lead adjuster promised that a collision adjuster would arrive within three days for the original assessment and estimate. Unfortunately, after five days of waiting for updates, I learned that my adjuster had been removed from the claim and hadn’t made any progress. Ten days later, I finally received the estimate stating my vehicle was repairable, and I authorized the approved body shop to begin repairs.
A few days later, I was informed that the body shop had denied receiving my vehicle because Company A hadn’t provided the necessary details. This led to a frustrating search for my car, which wasn’t taken to the original lot due to a holiday and after-hours issues. I had to send the body shop the original estimate myself and locate my vehicle. After two more days, it finally made it to the body shop.
A week passed with no response from Company A regarding status updates, and I received an update online indicating that my vehicle had been damaged by a forklift while at the towing lot. I reached out to the body shop, and they confirmed they found new damage, making the vehicle too risky for them to repair under their guarantee. I requested photos of the damage, which revealed significant issues, likely leading to a total loss.
Company A has since acknowledged their responsibility for the new damage due to their contract but is waiting for corporate guidance on how to proceed. Two days later, I’m still waiting for a follow-up.
I’m contemplating hiring a lawyer, but I want to handle the situation cautiously. If my vehicle is deemed a total loss, Progressive might not cover the claim since it was repairable at the time of damage.
I have a few questions:
– Is Progressive liable for the damages that occurred after it arrived at Company A’s lot, as well as the initial damage?
– Did Company A mishandle this entire claim process?
– Should I file a second claim with Company A for the new damages?
– Would I need to make a third claim with the towing company, or does that responsibility fall back on Company A, who contracted them?
Any advice or insights you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I’m happy to answer any further questions, but due to the sensitive nature of the case, I won’t disclose the names of Company A, the tow company, or the body shop. Thank you in advance!
It sounds like you’ve been through quite a frustrating experience with your auto claim process. Here’s a breakdown of your questions and some guidance on how to proceed:
Progressive is generally liable for the damages caused by the other driver in the accident, considering they took full responsibility. However, their liability might become more complex if your vehicle is deemed a total loss after the new damages were incurred. If Progressive’s liability is determined to be limited to the initial damages, you may have to seek additional compensation for the new damages through another route.
Did Company A completely muck that claim up?
It seems that there were significant mishaps with Company A’s handling of your claim. The delays, lack of communication, and failure to properly manage the logistics around your vehicle all point to a breakdown in their process. While errors can happen, the level of disorganization in your case appears to be quite severe.
Would I make a second claim with Company A for new damages?
Yes, you may need to file a secondary claim with Company A for the new damages your vehicle sustained while in their care. It sounds like they have accepted some responsibility, which is a good sign. Make sure to document everything and keep a record of your communications with them.
Would I make a third claim with the tow company lot? Or does that defer back on Company A who contracts with them?
Additional Advice:
– Documentation is Key: Make sure you have detailed records of all communications, estimates, photos of damages, and notes from your interactions with both Company A and the body shop.
– Legal Consultation: Since you are considering hiring a lawyer, it might be a good idea to do this sooner rather than later—especially if the situation escalates. A lawyer with experience in auto claims can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
– Stay Persistent: Keep following up with Company A for updates, and don’t hesitate to escalate your concerns within their organization if you don’t receive timely responses.
– Explore All Options: Depending on how things progress, you might also want to look into filing a complaint with your state’s insurance commission if Company A continues to mishandle your claim.
I hope this helps clarify your situation and gives you a path forward. Good luck, and I hope you get this resolved soon!